Introducing Famous People from Chino, CA - Chino - 1

Chino is a neighborhood that has produced some amazing individuals. From legendary American craftsmen to professional wrestlers, let me introduce you to a few.

The first featured person is Sam Maloof. He was born on January 24, 1916, in Chino and graduated from Chino High School in 1934. Without formal woodworking training, he became one of the best furniture makers in America. He is particularly famous for his rocking chair designs. It is said that former President Jimmy Carter visited his home and left a note on a signed photo that read — to my woodworking hero.

Maloof's works are housed in major institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Smithsonian Institution. In 1985, he became the first American craftsman to receive a MacArthur Fellowship. He passed away on May 21, 2009, but his furniture continues to live on around the world.

The second person is Shelly Martinez. She is a model, actress, and retired professional wrestler born on February 9, 1980, in Chino. She performed under the names Ariel in WWE and Salinas in TNA. She is a well-known name among American professional wrestling fans.

Additionally, Christian singer Moriah Peters (Moriah Castillo Peters) grew up in nearby Ontario.

She is an artist active in the contemporary Christian music (CCM) scene. Isn't it interesting that these three completely different individuals are all connected to this small town? If you know of any other famous people from Chino, please let us know in the comments!